Social media has revolutionised the way we interact with each other. It has changed the way we communicate, share information, and connect with people from different parts of the world. However, the rise of social media has also raised concerns about its impact on our relationships. In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the impact of social media on relationships. Researchers have conducted various studies to investigate the effects of social media use on different types of relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, and familial relationships. Due to the rising social impact of social media use on romantic relationships several academic studies have focused on this topic for research. One study from the Istanbul Medeniyet University explored the relationship between social media use and romantic relationships among college students and found that social media use can have both positive and negative effects on relationships. The study found that social media use can help partners to stay connected and communicate more effectively, but it can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Social Media at the start of a relationship
In the early stages of a relationship, social media can be a useful tool to help couples connect and get to know each other better. However, excessive use of social media in the early stages of a relationship can have negative consequences. It can create unrealistic expectations, as people tend to present only their best selves on social media. This can lead to disappointment when partners discover that their real-life partner is not as perfect as they appear on social media. This problem has become so prevalent it has been given it’s own name: Catfishing. Catfishing on social media is a form of online identity theft where an individual creates a fake online profile with the intention of deceiving others. It has become a widespread problem on social media platforms, with many individuals using fake identities to scam or manipulate others. For instance, some catfishers create fake profiles to pursue romantic relationships, leading to emotional manipulation and heartbreak when the truth is eventually revealed.
Moreover, social media can also lead to misunderstandings as partners may misinterpret each other’s posts or comments. This can lead to unnecessary arguments and conflicts early on in relationships when the couple is still getting to know one another better.
Newly Wed Blues
For newlyweds, social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be a great way to share memories and keep in touch with friends and family. On the other hand, it can also create unrealistic expectations and lead to jealousy and mistrust.
A study in the Journal of Education and Social Development found that excessive use of social media is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and intimacy. The study also found that social media use can lead to feelings of jealousy, mistrust, and insecurity in romantic relationships
For example, if one partner is constantly checking their spouse’s social media accounts, it can create feelings of jealousy and insecurity. This can lead to arguments and conflicts, which can put a strain on the relationship.
In the long-term
For couples who have been together for decades, social media can be a great way to connect with old friends and family members. However, it can also lead to complacency, a lack of communication and even exposure to sinister online actors such as relationship scammers. These are male or female individuals who present themselves as being interested in a romantic relationship with the older person and demand a lot of online attention from them. This requires the person involved to constantly check their mobile phone in turn creating a sense of neglect in the other partner. This inevitably leads to feelings of resentment, which can put a strain on the mature relationship.
What about at the end of a relationship?
For divorcees, social media can be a complicated issue. On one hand, it can be a great way to connect with old friends and perhaps even initiate new relationships. On the other hand, it can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. If one partner is repeatedly checking their ex-spouse’s social media accounts, it can create feelings of jealousy and resentment. This can make it difficult to move on and start a new relationship.
One of the most concerning problems that social media can cause is the rise of online love scams that intentionally target vulnerable individuals. These scams are often aimed at people who are lonely, such as divorcees, widows, and even retirees. Social media platforms offer anonymity and easy access, making it easier for scammers to create fake personas and lure victims into romantic relationships. Once the scammer has gained the victim’s trust, they may ask for money for various reasons, such as medical bills or travel expenses. These scams can lead to not only financial loss but also emotional distress, leaving victims feeling betrayed and devastated. It is important to be aware of these scams and to be cautious when engaging in online relationships. This can mean being wary of individuals who seem too good to be true or asking for further evidence before sending money. Additionally, reaching out to family and friends for support and guidance can help ensure that one does not fall victim to these scams. Social media has brought many benefits to our lives, but it is important to remain vigilant and cautious to prevent these types of scams from affecting us or our loved ones.
Consequences of Excessive Social Media Use
In general the excessive us of social media is highly discouraged for everyone due to it’s addictive nature and the negative impact it can have on people of all ages and backgrounds. Excessive use of social media can lead to addiction, which can result in a decrease in productivity and social isolation. People who are addicted to social media often spend hours scrolling through their feeds, neglecting other important aspects of their daily lives, such as work, studies, and relationships.
Moreover, social media has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Constantly comparing oneself to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, especially when it comes to physical appearance and lifestyle. This creates a breeding ground for cyberbullying, harassment, and hate speech. The anonymity provided by social media platforms can embolden individuals to say things they wouldn’t normally say in person, leading to a toxic online environment. While social media has its benefits, it is important for people of all ages and backgrounds to use social media in moderation and be mindful of its potential negative effects.
Set yourself up for a healthy relationship with social media
To mitigate the potential impact of social media on relationships, partners can take several steps:
- Set boundaries: Partners can agree on a set of rules regarding the use of social media in the relationship. For example, they can agree not to check their phones during dinner or to limit their social media use to a certain amount of time each day.
- Communicate: Partners should communicate openly and honestly about their feelings regarding social media. They should be willing to listen to each other’s concerns and work together to find a solution.
- Be mindful: Partners should be mindful of how their social media use is affecting their relationship. They should be willing to make changes if necessary to ensure that their relationship is not being negatively impacted.
- Disconnect: Partners should disconnect from social media from time to time to spend quality time together. They should prioritize their relationship over their social media accounts.
Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on relationships. Excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of jealousy, mistrust, and insecurity. It can also create a sense of complacency and neglect in the relationship, which can put a strain on the partnership. However, by setting boundaries, communicating, being mindful, and disconnecting from social media from time to time, partners can mitigate the potential impact of social media on their relationship.
